June 9, 2010
Notre Dame, Ind. – Seventy golfers hit the links on June 4th at the Warren Golf Course for the Monogram Club’s 3rd Annual Riehle Open. The tournament, named after longtime executive director of the Monogram Club Rev. Jim Riehle C.S.C. ’49, provided Monogram winners with an opportunity to enjoy each others company on the golf course while paying tribute to the man who meant so much to the Club.
“For years Father Riehle was the cornerstone of the Monogram Club,” said executive director Beth Hunter. “This is the perfect way to honor the man who touched the lives of so many Monogram winners.”
Each year the Riehle Open bridges the gap between legend and legacy as it brings together Monogram winners from around the country representing a variety of sports and generations.
“I traveled here from Dallas to be a part of this,” said Steve Orsini ’78 (football). “I really enjoy the chance to come back and have fun with longtime friends, former teammates and fellow Monogram winners.”
After sorting through their gift bags, purchasing mulligans and enjoying lunch courtesy of Jimmy John’s, golfers headed to their assigned holes for a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.
Throughout the Riehle Open, participating golfers were offered numerous opportunities to win prizes.
Starting the tournament on the par 5 fifth hole, deputy athletics director Bill Scholl ’79 launched his tee shot 280 yards down the fairway to capture the longest drive competition. For his efforts he received a Taylor Made driver courtesy of adidas.
“That was my first swing of the day,” Scholl said. “I just stepped up to the ball and hit it, luckily it went a long way and stayed in the fairway.”
Other contest winners were Chris “Hawk” Stevens ’74 (basketball) who received a Taylor Made putter for being closet to the pin on the 14th hole and Greg Szatko ’74 who received a cash prize for being closest to the pin on the 9th hole. Following the announcement of the contest winners, it was time to crown this year’s tournament champions.
Finishing the event in third place with a score of 62 was the team featuring Irish head coaches Joe Piane (track and field) and Susan Holt (women’s golf) along with two members of the Monogram Club Board of Directors Jim Tyler ’86 (track and field) and Kerrie Wagner ’89 (women’s golf).
Former football players from the Dan Devine era Pete Johnson ’79, Phil Johnson ’79, Steve Orsini ’78 , Doug Becker ’78 and Tom Domin ’79 shot a 13-under par score of 58 to finish in second place.
With a score of 55 the 2010 Riehle Open championship went to the foursome comprised of former Irish golfers Terry Lally ’60, Mike Lafrance ’73, Frank Leyes ’84 and Christie Flanagan ’60 who captured the tournament title for the second consecutive year.
“We had a great time out there today and I owe this to my teammates,” Lally said. “To win the Riehle Open this year is extra meaningful to me because it came during my 50th reunion weekend. I love this university for everything it has given me through the years and I feel very privileged to play golf with such a special group of people.”